The Hatpin

After reading the publicity I was not looking forward to Hatpin. A horror film when I was young put me off the genre, but I came away from opening night feeling uplifted at the story of a young and poor unmarried mother who had the guts to fight City Hall. Though there were horrendous moments, it was the inspirational elements that left a stronger mark.

Performed in a converted church with temporary seating, the space was well-used and everything about the production was professional. The eleven performers were all strong and sang as well as one could wish for. It would be hard to imagine a better cast. All were appropriate for their roles, though Gemma-Ashley Kaplan got more opportunity to shine in the main role. She admirably captured Amber’s combination of vulnerability and strength, at all times singing beautifully. Her solo on hearing of her son’s death was heart-wrenching. She played Clara in the world premier in Sydney in 2008 and later in New York.

As her friend/mother figure Harriet, Samantha Morley was appropriately rough and ready, and the two shared some funny moments in this dark musical. Sophie Collins, Emma Jones and Philip Gould played with strength the murderous Makins. Other members of the ensemble played various characters as required.

The static, multi-level set was well used and allowed the action to flow. The direction was effective, the lighting was brilliant and the small orchestra was good. The sound was excellent. The music was approachable and appropriate and there were some wonderful harmonies from the ensemble.

I doubt that an amateur company could pull this off, and Magnormos deserves a successful season.

Graham Ford.

Images: (Top) Emma Jones, Sophie Collins and Philip Gould. (Lower) Gemma-Ashley Kaplan and Samantha Morley Photographer: Darrell Jones.

Read our interview with writer James Millar.

http://www.magnormos.com/thehatpin.htm

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